Burrington couple celebrate 60th wedding anniversary

A Burrington couple have celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary today (Monday, January 8), marking an incredible 60 years of love, companionship and shared adventures.

The story of Ron and Rosella Turner began at Torrington Mayfair in May 1960, where Ron's interest in Rosella sparked a connection that would last a lifetime. Married in 1964, at Bethesda Chapel in Burrington, Umberleigh, their journey took root in the community they still call home.

Rosella left school to work as a wages clerk at Torridge Vale Dairies, a career that continued until 1966 when she joined Ron in managing Beacon Garage in Dolton. From a modest 22ft caravan, their first home, they built both their family and the business, eventually expanding to more than 25 employees before selling in 2002 and settling in Burrington.

Despite the demands of running a bustling workshop and filling station, they found time to support their community. Collaborating with Devon County Council, they provided essential transportation services for school children, including minibuses, drivers and escorts to take the children to school. Still today, Ron drives a school minibus and is always fixing something or helping a neighbour. Rosella on the other hand, volunteers at the community shop, leads the Ashreigney Handbells and delivers milk and other produce to the local community. 

Reflecting on their enduring marriage, Ron and Rosella emphasised the importance of give and take, avoiding prolonged grievances, and never going to bed angry. Describing their journey, Ron humorously remarked, "it's been a rollercoaster of a marriage, but in the end, love prevailed."

In the face of challenges, including being snowed in at their garage during 1978, Ron and Rosella stressed the need to keep trying, keep talking, and turning to prayer, drawing on their shared Methodist faith.

Rosella explained, "We used to boil an electric kettle to melt the ice on the gas cylinder outside to cook breakfast in the caravan. We didn't have showers either; we used to bathe at my parents once a week!" She chuckled as she recounted, "The bed used to fold up to tuck away. Even the postman joked with me, 'Is Ron folded up in there?'"

Celebrating their diamond anniversary, the Turners enjoyed a family gathering at The Williams Arms near Braunton. Their son and family joined the festivities, relishing a memorable carvery together.

Throughout their 60-year journey, Ron and Rosella recounted heartwarming anecdotes, from their early days in the compact caravan to the shared laughter over unconventional cooking arrangements.

Family played a significant role, with their son becoming a Methodist minister and their daughter living near Southampton. Ron highlighted the joy of being grandparents.

As they look to the future, Ron and Rosella envision continuing to keep each other happy, cherishing birthdays, enjoying Christmas, and navigating life's twists and turns together. Even through the challenges of COVID-19, their love prevails, marking a testament to enduring commitment and partnership.

The Turners, with their two children, Helen and Phillip and two grandchildren, stand as a testimony to love and shared joy as they embark on the next chapter of their remarkable journey together.